Apparatus including a control device and a method of using the same

ABSTRACT

An apparatus can include a control device configured to select a scene from a collection of scenes for a window including electrochromic devices in response to receiving an input corresponding to state information. In another aspect, a method of operating an apparatus can include receiving an input corresponding to state information; and at a control device, in response to receiving the input, selecting a scene from a collection of scenes. The collection of scenes may be validated before using the scenes. The scenes may be validated based on physical configuration of the controlled space, preferences of the occupant, or the like. Still further, scenes can be changed to allow for the passage of time or an illusion of changing sky conditions when sky conditions are not changing. The apparatus and method can be simpler to understand and implement as compared to complex control strategies.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/879,069, filed Jan.24, 2018, entitled “APPARATUS INCLUDING A CONTROL DEVICE AND A METHOD OFUSING THE SAME,” naming as inventors Louis J. Podbelski et al., whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/450,368,filed Jan. 25, 2017, entitled “APPARATUS INCLUDING A CONTROL DEVICE ANDA METHOD OF USING THE SAME,” naming as inventors Louis J. Podbelski etal., which are assigned to the current assignee hereof and incorporatedby reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure is directed to apparatuses, and more specificallyto apparatuses used in controlling operations of infrastructure within abuilding or vehicle and methods of operating the same.

Related Art

Windows with electrochromic devices are being used as part ofenvironmental controls for a building. Other environmental controls,such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, lights, andpotentially other facilities may be controlled along with theelectrochromic devices. Very complicated and highly integrated systemsare used for the environmental controls. The level of complexity andintegration are causing such systems to be quite difficult to change oreven maintain by facilities personnel, as such personnel may not beexperts in computer programming or may not know or understand the logicthat the architect or building used in designing the environmentalcontrols. Thus, frustration, many lost man hours, or hiring a computerexpert may be needed to affect even a small change in the environmentalcontrols. A need exists for a better control strategy that can beimplemented by facilities personnel, or even the occupant that may notbe a programmer or familiar with the building's facilities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and are not limited in theaccompanying figures.

FIG. 1 includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a portionof a substrate, a stack of layers for an electrochromic device, and busbars.

FIG. 2 includes an illustration of a top view of the substrate, thestack of layers, and the bus bars.

FIG. 3 includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of aninsulating glass unit that includes the substrate and an electrochromicdevice.

FIG. 4 includes a schematic diagram of an apparatus that includes theelectrochromic device, an energy source, control devices, and aninput/output unit.

FIG. 5 includes a process flow when adding a scene to a collection ofscenes.

FIG. 6 includes a process flow when operating an apparatus to controlscenes at a window.

FIG. 7 includes scenes for a window as sunlight reaching the windowincreases.

FIG. 8 includes other scenes for a window as sunlight reaching thewindow increases.

FIG. 9 includes further scenes for a window as sunlight reaching thewindow increases.

FIGS. 10 and 11 includes scenes for a window throughout a day.

FIG. 12 includes scenes that form an image for a window as sunlightreaching the window increases.

Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustratedfor simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale.For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures maybe exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improveunderstanding of embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description in combination with the figures is provided toassist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The followingdiscussion will focus on specific implementations and embodiments of theteachings. This focus is provided to assist in describing the teachingsand should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope orapplicability of the teachings.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having,” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is notnecessarily limited only to those features but may include otherfeatures not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary,“or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example,a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true(or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or notpresent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (orpresent).

The use of “a” or “an” is employed to describe elements and componentsdescribed herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give ageneral sense of the scope of the invention. This description should beread to include one or at least one and the singular also includes theplural, or vice versa, unless it is clear that it is meant otherwise.

The use of the word “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” isintended to mean that a value of a parameter is close to a stated valueor position. However, minor differences may prevent the values orpositions from being exactly as stated. Thus, differences of up to tenpercent (10%) for the value are reasonable differences from the idealgoal of exactly as described.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, andexamples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. To theextent not described herein, many details regarding specific materialsand processing acts are conventional and may be found in textbooks andother sources within the infrastructure controls for a building orvehicle and within the electrochromic arts.

A control device can be configured to select a scene from a collectionof scenes for a window including switchable devices in response toreceiving an input corresponding to state information. The window mayinclude architectural glass used for a skylight or a wall of a buildingor may include a moon roof or a side window of a vehicle. The controldevice can be part of an apparatus that includes the window andswitchable devices. In an embodiment, the control device can include aremote portion outside a controlled space and a local portion within thecontrol space. The remote portion may be located or coupled to otherbuilding environmental controls, and the local portion may supply propervoltages to the switchable devices to achieve the desired scene.

The methods of adding and deleting scenes to a collection of scenes canbe relatively simple and performed by an occupant of the controlledspace, if needed or desired. In an embodiment, scenes may be validatedto allow for better control of scenes. Further, complex and difficult tocontrol logic may be replaced with simpler and more intuitive control ofscenes for a window. The apparatus and method are better understoodafter reading this specification in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures.

The apparatuses and methods can be implemented with switchable devicesthat affect the transmission of light through a window. Much of thedescription below addresses embodiments in which the switchable devicesare electrochromic devices. In other embodiments, the switchable devicescan include suspended particle devices, liquid crystal devices that caninclude dichroic dye technology, and the like. Thus, the concepts asdescribed herein can be extended to a variety of switchable devices usedwith windows.

FIG. 1 includes a cross-sectional view of a portion of a windowincluding a substrate 100, a stack of layers 122, 124, 126, 128, and130, and bus bars 144 and 148 overlying the substrate 100. The substrate100 can be transparent and include a glass substrate, a sapphiresubstrate, an aluminum oxynitride substrate, a spinel substrate, or atransparent polymer. In a particular embodiment, the substrate 100 canbe float glass or a borosilicate glass and have a thickness in a rangeof 0.5 mm to 4 mm thick. In another particular embodiment, the substrate100 can include ultra-thin glass that is a mineral glass having athickness in a range of 50 microns to 300 microns.

The stack of layers includes transparent conductive layers 122 and 130that are coupled to the bus bars 144 and 148, respectively. Thetransparent conductive layers 122 and 130 can include a conductive metaloxide or a conductive polymer. Examples can include a tin oxide or azinc oxide, either of which can doped with a trivalent element, such asAl, Ga, In, or the like, or a sulfonated polymer, such as polyaniline,polypyrrole, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), or the like. Thetransparent conductive layers 122 and 130 can have the same or differentcompositions.

The layers 124 and 128 are electrode layers, wherein one of the layersis an electrochromic (EC) layer and the other of the layers is an ionstorage layer (sometimes called a counter electrode layer). The EC layercan include an inorganic metal oxide electrochemically active material,such as WO₃, V₂O₅, MoO₃, Nb₂O₅, TiO₂, CuO, Ir₂O₃, Cr₂O₃, Co₂O₃, Mn₂O₃,or any combination thereof and have a thickness in a range of 50 nm to2000 nm. The ion storage layer can include any of the materials listedwith respect to the electrochromic layer and may further include nickeloxide (NiO, Ni₂O₃, or combination of the two), and Li, Na, H, or anotherion and have a thickness in a range of 80 nm to 500 nm.

An ion conductive layer 126 (sometimes called an electrolyte layer) isoptional, is between the electrode layers 124 and 128, and has athickness in a range of 20 microns to 60 microns. The ion conductivelayer 126 allows ions to migrate therethrough and does not allow asignificant amount of electrons to pass therethrough. The ion conductivelayer 126 can include a silicate with or without lithium, aluminum,zirconium, phosphorus, boron; a borate with or without lithium; atantalum oxide with or without lithium; a lanthanide-based material withor without lithium; another lithium-based ceramic material; or the like.

After reading this specification, skilled artisans will appreciate thatother compositions and thicknesses for the layers 122, 124, 126, 128,and 130 can be used without departing from the scope of the conceptsdescribed herein.

Each of the transparent conductive layers 122 and 130 include portionsremoved, so that the bus bars 144 and 148 are not electrically connectedto each other. Such removed portions are typically 20 nm to 2000 nmwide. In a particular embodiment, the bus bar 144 is electricallyconnected to the electrode layer 124 via the transparent conductivelayer 122, and the bus bar 148 is electrically connected to theelectrode layer 128 via the transparent conductive layer 130. The busbars 144 and 148 include a conductive material. In an embodiment, eachof the bus bars 144 and 148 can be formed using a conductive ink, suchas a silver frit, that is printed over the transparent conductive layer122. In another embodiment, one or both of the bus bars 144 and 148 caninclude a metal-filled polymer, such as a silver-filled epoxy. In aparticular embodiment (not illustrated), the bus bar 148 can include theconductive-filled polymer that is disposed over the transparentconductive layer 130 and spaced apart from the layers 122, 124, 126, and128. The viscosity of the precursor for the metal-filled polymer may besufficiently high enough to keep the precursor from flowing throughcracks or other microscopic defects in the underlying layers that mightbe otherwise problematic for the conductive ink.

FIG. 2 includes a top view of the substrate 100 and an EC device 210that includes the layers as described with respect to FIG. 1. The busbar 144 lies along a side 202 of the substrate 100, and the bus bar 148lies along a side 204 that is opposite the side 202. Each of the busbars 144 and 148 have lengths that extend a majority of the distancebetween a side 206 and a side 208 that is opposite the side 206. Thelengths of the bus bars 144 and 148 are substantially parallel to eachother. As used herein, substantially parallel is intended to means thatthe lengths of the bus bars 144 and 148 are within 10 degrees of beingparallel to each other.

In an embodiment, the window can include an insulated glass unit (IGU).The IGU may be used along a wall of a building or may be used in askylight. In another application, the window can be used in a vehiclewindow, such as part of a moon roof, a side passenger window, or thelike. Thus, the examples are merely illustrative and do not limit thescope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

FIG. 3 includes an illustration of a cross-sectional of an IGU 300 thatincludes the substrate 100 and the EC device 210 as illustrated in FIGS.1 and 2. In FIG. 3, the bus bars are not illustrated to simplifyunderstanding of the structure of the IGU 300. The IGU 300 furtherincludes a counter substrate 320 and a solar control film 312 disposedbetween the EC device 210 and the counter substrate 320. A seal 322 isdisposed between the substrate 100 and the counter-substrate 320 andaround the EC device 210. The seal 322 can include a polymer, such aspolyisobutylene. The counter substrate 320 is coupled to a pane 330.Each of the counter substrate 320 and pane 330 can be a toughened or atempered glass and have a thickness in a range of 2 mm to 9 mm. Alow-emissivity layer 332 can be disposed along an inner surface of thepane 330. The counter substrate 320 and pane 330 can be spaced apart bya spacer bar 342 that surrounds the substrate 100 and EC device 210. Thespacer bar 342 is coupled to the counter substrate 320 and pane 330 viaseals 342. The seals 342 can be a polymer, such as polyisobutylene. Theseals 342 can have the same or different composition as compared to theseal 322. An adhesive joint 350 is designed to hold thecounter-substrate 320 and the pane 330 together and is provided alongthe entire circumference of the edges of the counter-substrate 320 andthe pane 320. An internal space 360 of the IGU 300 may include arelatively inert gas, such as a noble gas or dry air. In anotherembodiment, the internal space 360 may be evacuated.

FIG. 4 includes a simplified schematic diagram of an apparatus 400 thatincludes the EC device 210, an energy source 420, a local control device430, a remote control device 440, and an input/output (I/O) unit 450.The energy source 420 provides energy to the EC device 210 via the localcontrol device 430. In an embodiment, the energy source 420 may includea photovoltaic cell, a battery, another suitable energy source, or anycombination thereof.

The local control device 430 can be coupled to the EC device 210, theenergy source 420, the remote control device 440, and the I/O unit 450.The local control device 430 can include logic to control the operationof the EC device 210 and will be described in more detail later in thisspecification. In an embodiment, the remote control device 440 caninclude logic to control the operation of building environmental andfacility controls, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning(HVAC), lights, scenes for EC devices, including the EC device 210, andwill be described in more detail later in this specification. In anembodiment, the local control device 430 may be within a controlledspace having the EC device, and the remote control device 450 may beoutside the controlled space having the EC device. The controlled spacedmay be a room, such as a meeting room or an office, or may be part of afloor of a building, wherein a window of the EC device can affectslight, glare, or temperature of the controlled space. The logic for theeither or both of control devices 430 and 440 can be in the form ofhardware, software, or firmware. In an embodiment, the logic may bestored in a field programmable gate array (FPGA), anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a hard drive, a solidstate drive, or another persistent memory. In an embodiment, the controldevices 430 and 450 may include a processor that can executeinstructions stored in memory within the control devices 430 and 450 orreceived from an external source.

More or fewer control devices may be used. In an embodiment, all of thefunctions that will be described with respect to the remote controldevice 440 may incorporated into the local control device 430. Inanother embodiment, more than one local control device may be used. Forexample, a local control device may be adjacent to an IGU, and anotherlocal control device may be within the controlled space and spaced apartfrom the IGU. Such other local control device may be near lightswitches, a thermostat, or a door for the controlled space. Logicoperations are described below with respect to particular controldevices with respect to an embodiment. In another embodiment, a logicoperation described with respect to a particular control device may beperformed by another control device or be split between the controldevices. After reading this specification, skilled artisans will be ableto determine a particular configuration that meets the needs or desiresfor a particular application.

The I/O unit 450 can be coupled to the control devices 430 and 450 orjust one of the control devices. The I/O unit 450 can provide to acontrol device signals corresponding to state information that caninclude a light intensity, an occupancy of a controlled spacecorresponding to the window, a physical configuration of the controlledspace, a temperature, an operating mode of a heating or cooling system,a sun position, a time of day, a calendar day, an elapsed time since ascene has been changed, heat load within the controlled space, acontrast level between relatively bright and relatively dark objectswithin a field of view where an occupant is normally situated within thecontrolled space, whether an orb of the sun is in the field of viewwhere the occupant is normally situated within the controlled space,whether a reflection of the sun is in the field of view where theoccupant is normally situated within the controlled space, a level ofcloudiness, or another suitable parameter, or any combination thereof.In another embodiment, the I/O unit 450 can include a monitor andkeyboard for a human to interact with the apparatus 400.

With respect to the EC device 210, the location of the other componentsin the apparatus 400 may be adjacent to or spaced apart from the ECdevice 210. In an embodiment, the IGU 300 in FIG. 3 may include the ECdevice 210 and the energy source 420. In another embodiment, the energysource 420, the local control device 430, the I/O unit 450 may belocated in or attached to a frame that holds the IGU 300. In a furtherembodiment, the local control device 430, the remote control device 450,the I/O unit 450, or any combination thereof may be located over a meterfrom the IGU 300 and frame. After reading this specification, skilledartisans will be able to determine particular location of components ofthe apparatus 400 for a particular application.

The apparatus 400 can be used to allow for scene-based control of ECdevice within a window, such as an IGU installed as part ofarchitectural glass along a wall of a building or a skylight, or withina vehicle. As the number of EC devices for a controlled space increases,the complexity in controlling the EC devices can also increase. Evenfurther complexity can occur when the control of the EC devices isintegrated with other building environmental controls. In an embodiment,the window can be skylight that may include over 900 EC devices.Coordinating control of such a large number of EC devices with otherenvironmental controls can lead to very complicated control scenes,which some facilities personnel without extensive computer programmingand experience with complex control systems may find very challenging.

The inventors have discovered that using scene-based control of a windowcan provide a less complicated control methodology can be implementedthat is easier for facilities personnel and occupants to understand. Ascene can be a discrete transmission pattern of the EC devices for thewindow. A scene may be selected from a collection of scenes, and the ECdevices can be controlled to achieve the scene. The scenes may bevalidated, so that they are use at appropriate times and underappropriate conditions. The scenes may be correlated to stateinformation, so that a validated scene for the window is used.

A scene generated for a controlled space may have been suitable for anoriginal physical configuration of the controlled space; however, thescene may no longer be acceptable after the physical configuration haschanged. For example, the original physical configuration for controlledspace may have been a portion of a floor including cubicles room.Remodeling may be performed and additional walls may be installed. Thephysical configuration of the controlled space may have changed in sizeand become different controlled spaces, one of which can be a conferenceroom. Glare may be more problematic with the conference room, ascompared to the controlled space with cubicles. Thus, a previouslyvalidated scene may no longer be acceptable.

When using scene-based control of a window for a controlled spaced,scenes can be part of a collection, and the scene can be selected basedon state information received by control devices. Before using thescenes, the collection of scenes can be generated. FIG. 5 includes amethod of generating a collection of scenes. The method can includegenerating a scene for a window at block 502. A few exemplary scenes caninclude all EC devices for a window being at the highest transmissionstate (fully tinted), all EC devices for the window being at the lowesttransmission state (bleached), and different rows of EC devices for thewindow being at other transmission states. The method can furtherinclude determining transmission corresponding to the scene, at block522. The transmission information may be for each EC device within ascene, so that the scene may be recreated at a later time.

The method can further include validating the scene, at block 524. Thevalidation may depend on the physical configuration of the controlledspace, personal preferences, or the like. The window may include threerows of EC devices. For a controlled space with cubicles, the sceneillustrated in FIG. 6 may be acceptable, as more light may be neededalong a top row to pass over cubicle walls. For a controlled space thatis a conference room, a scene, such as the right-most scene in FIG. 7,may be unacceptable due to too much light entering, particularly laterin the morning. However, another scene, such as the right-most scene inFIG. 8, may be acceptable for a conference room, particularly if thebottom row of EC devices is at or below the level of a table top. Thevalidation may be performed when the building is originally built andconfigured, and such scenes are referred to herein as original scenes.At a time after generating the original scenes, an occupant orfacilities personnel may save a scene that the he or she particularlylikes or generates. Such a scene is referred to as a learned scene. Forexample, after a physical configuration of the controlled space ischanged, new scenes may be generated that are more appropriate for thenew physical configuration. The local control device 430 can include abutton that allows the occupant or another human to provide input to theapparatus 400 via the I/O unit 450 to store the scene. Similarly, aprior scene, whether original or learned, may no longer be acceptable inview of the change in physical configuration. The local control device430 may include another button that allows that allows the occupant oranother human to provide input to the apparatus 400 via the I/O unit 450to delete or invalidate the scene. Still further, the local controldevice 430 may allow the occupant to adjust individual EC devices orsubsets of EC devices and save the particular scene created. Yetfurther, when the occupant changes, the learned scenes may be deleted,and the original scenes restored.

The method can further include correlating the scene with stateinformation, at block 542. The state information may be provided alongwith scenes when the building is constructed or when the window isinstalled. For a learned scene, the state information at the time thescene is stored may be captured and stored with the learned scene. Themethod can include adding the scene to the collection of scenes, atblock 544. On a subsequent day, the control device 430 or 440 may laterselect an original or learned scene from the collection of scenes whensuch scene's corresponding state information matches or is close tostate information at the time when the control device 430 or 440 isbeing used to select a scene.

After reading this specification, skilled artisans will understand thatthe order of actions in FIG. 5 may be changed. Furthermore, one or moreactions may not be performed, and one or more further actions may beperformed in generating the collection of scenes.

After the collection of scenes is generated, a scene from the collectioncan be selected, and a control device can control the EC devices of thewindow to achieve scene for the window. FIG. 6 includes an exemplary,non-limiting method of operating an apparatus to achieve a scenecorresponding to state information. The method includes receiving inputcorresponding to state information, at block 602. Different types ofstate information have been previously described. The state informationmay be collected at the I/O unit 450 from sources of state information,such as sensors, a calendar, a clock, a weather forecast, or the like.The collection of state information may occur nearly continuously, suchas from a motion sensor, light sensor, or the like, on a periodic basis,such as once a minute, every ten minutes, hourly, or the like, or acombination thereof.

A decision may be performed to determine whether there is a significantchange in the state information, at diamond 604. For example, a minutemay have passed since state information has been collected, yet, otherthan the passage of time, nothing of significance may have occurred.During that time, nobody may have entered or left the controlled space,the position of the sun has only insignificantly changed position, thesky may have substantially the same level of clouds between the sun andthe controlled space, or the like. In such a situation, the method canproceed on the No branch, and further input corresponding to stateinformation may continued to be received. Alternatively, a significantchange may have occurred. For example, a person may have entered thecontrolled space that was previously unoccupied, a change in skyconditions may have occurred (e.g., a sunny sky may now be cloudy), thesun may no longer be in a position where it directly shines on thewindow, or the like. When the change is significant, the method canproceed on the “Yes” branch. Thus, the scene for the window may bechanged.

The method can further include receiving a preference or a weighingfactor, at block 606. A control device, such as the local control device430 or the remote control device 440, may review the collection ofscenes and generate a subset of scenes that correspond to the stateinformation. Some scenes in that subset may be favored over others inthat subset. For example, one of scenes may be a learned scene that isliked by the occupant of the controlled space over other scenes withinthe subset. Learned scenes may be assigned a higher preference orweighing factor compared to scenes that were generated the time thebuilding was built or before the size and layout for the currentphysical configuration of the controlled space was made. In anotherembodiment, a preference or weighing factor may be used for a particularscene that has not been used recently. For example, many scenes may havebeen used more recently that the particular scene. A higher preferenceor weighing factor may be used for the particular scene as compared toother scenes, so that the scenes may be rotated and reduce using thesame scenes too frequently. The preference or weighing factor isoptional and not required in all embodiments.

The method can include selecting a scene from the collection of scenes,at block 622. In the embodiment previously described, a subset of scenesmay have been identified and preferences or weighing factors considered.A logic element, such as a processor, an FPGA, an ASIC, or the likewithin the control device can make the selection. Upon selection of thescene, the control device can adjust voltages for the EC devices toachieve the scene. In a particular embodiment, the remote control device440 may perform the selection and send signals to the local controldevice 430, which in turn can set the voltages for the EC devices.

In an embodiment, the scenes may be occasionally changed, even if thereis no significant change in the state information. For example, thecontrolled space may be occupied, the window may be a skylight, andduring a time span from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm there is no significantchange in the sunlight. Even though there is no significant change instate information, the scene may be changed to provide a more visibleperception that the day is progressing. For example, the scene may bechanged at least once for predetermined amount of time, such as 5minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, or the like. The control device canselect a new scene from the subset of scenes and change the voltages ofthe EC devices to achieve the new scene.

At a later time, the control of the EC devices may be terminated. Thus,a decision can be made whether to terminate control, at diamond 644. Forexample, each day after sunset, the EC devices may be changed to thehighest transmission state and no longer controlled until just beforesunrise the next day. In this particular embodiment, the control can beterminated, corresponding to the “Yes” branch. Otherwise, the methodproceeds along the “No” branch. The method may continue back to justbefore receiving state information, at block 602 (illustrated with asolid line), just before receiving the preference or the weighingfactors, at block 606 (illustrated with a dashed line), or anotherposition in the flow chart as illustrated in FIG. 6.

Other methods for operating the apparatus may be used. For example, thecontrol logic may allow a significant change in state information tointerrupt the method at nearly any point in the method to allow a changein scenes, even if the current scene has not timed out. The actionspreviously described for the method may be performed in a differentorder. Still further, some of the actions may be optional. For example,preferences or weighing factors do not have to be used, and a time-outfeature for scenes may not be used. After reading this specification,skilled artisans will be able to determine a methodology that is wellsuited for a particular application.

The scene-based selection may be better understood with particularexamples that are described with respect to FIGS. 7 to 12. In theexamples described, the EC devices will be in one of three states tosimplify understanding of the concepts as described herein. The statesinclude a high transmission state, a low transmission state, and anintermediate transmission state that is between the two transmissionstates. The high transmission state may be at the highest level oftransmission (fully bleach); however it can be at another transmissionlevel that is higher than both of the intermediate and low transmissionstates. The low transmission state may be at the lowest level oftransmission (fully tinted); however it can be at another transmissionlevel that is lower than both of the intermediate and high transmissionstates. In actual practice, a continuum of transmission states can beused. After reading this specification, skilled artisans will be able todetermine transmission states that will be used with the scenes.

FIG. 7 includes an illustration of a window that includes many IGUs eachhaving an EC device. In an embodiment, the window may face east and mayreceive full sunlight at sunrise. The four illustrations representdifferent scenes that can be used as time between just before sunrise toa couple of hour past sunrise. The left-most scene may be used an hourbefore sunrise. The EC devices are in the high transmission state. Attwilight, the left-center scene may be used, where the bottom row of ECdevices may be in an intermediate transmission state to reduce some ofthe brightness. Just after sunrise, the right-center scene may be used,where the bottom row of EC devices can be in a low transmission state,and the middle row can be in an intermediate transmission state. Alittle later, the sun has cleared trees, and the full intensity ofsunlight may be received by the window. Referring to the right-mostscene, the lower two rows can be in the low transmission state, and thetop row remains in the high transmission state. In this particularembodiment, the top row allows more natural light to enter to maintain alevel of color balance within the controlled space. If all rows would bein the low transmission state, the controlled space would have too muchblue light. Thus, in this particular embodiment, a scene with all ECdevices in the low transmission state may be unacceptable when sunlightis reaching the window. Therefore, a preference or weighing factor mayallow scenes with at least one EC device to be in an intermediate orhigh transmission state, even though control logic, without preferencesor weighing factors, may allow all EC devices to be in the lowtransmission state. In another embodiment, the level of blue light maynot be as much of a concern, and having all EC devices in the lowtransmission state may be acceptable, and therefore, valid. Thevalidation process allows particular scenes to pass criteria and beadded to the collection of scenes for particular sets of stateinformation, such as at twilight to a time a couple of hours pastsunrise.

FIG. 8 includes an illustration of a window that includes many IGUs eachhaving an EC device. In an embodiment, the window may face south orsoutheast. Sunlight at and shortly after sunrise may not be problematic.However, later in the morning, the sun will be higher in the sky, andsunlight entering the upper part of the window may be more problematic.The four illustrations represent different scenes that can be used astime between a few of hours past sunrise to a time a little after Noon,such as 12:30 pm, 1:00 pm or the like. The left-most scene maycorrespond to an hour after sunrise. The EC devices are in the hightransmission state. By 9 am, significant sunlight may be entering thewindow. Unlike the embodiment corresponding to FIG. 7, the sun is higherin the sky. The top row of EC devices may be in an intermediatetransmission state to reduce some of the brightness, as illustrated inthe left-center scene of FIG. 8. By 10 am, the top row of EC devices canbe in a low transmission state, and the middle row can be in anintermediate transmission state, as illustrated in the right-centerscene. By 11 am, the sun is to the south of the building, and the fullintensity of sunlight may be received by the window. The upper two rowscan be in the low transmission state, and the bottom row remains in thehigh transmission state. In this particular embodiment, the bottom rowallows more natural light to enter to maintain a level of color balancewithin the controlled space. Thus, the validation process as previouslydescribed may be similar to the one as described with respect to theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, yet provide a different set of scenesdue to the orientation of the window (e.g., facing south as opposed toeast).

In another embodiment, FIGS. 7 and 8 may represent the same windowfacing east; however, the physical configuration within the controlledspace may be changed. The scenes illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 mayrepresent the same time span. FIG. 7 may be used when the physicalconfiguration corresponds to cubicles. The top row may be allowed tostay at the high transmission state, so that ambient light may pass overcubicle walls. The controlled space may have a change in physicalconfiguration, so that the physical configuration corresponds to aconference room. The cubical walls are no longer present. However, glarefrom the sun and off a conference room table may be problematic. Afterthe change in configuration, the scenes in FIG. 7 may no longer bevalid, and the scenes in FIG. 8 may be valid. Thus, the bottom row of ECdevice may remain in the high transmission state to allow for colorbalance in the controlled space when it is a conference room.

FIG. 9 illustrates scenes for another window in accordance with anotherembodiment. For example, the window may face west and trees or astructure may be within the view of and cast a shadow the window duringparticular times of the day. In the particular embodiment, the trees orother structures may allow different scenes to be used. In a particularembodiment, the left-most scene for the window may correspond to a timebefore Noon. By 2 pm, the top row of EC devices is in the intermediatetransmission state, as illustrated by the left-center scene. By 3 pm,the amount of sunlight reaching the window increases, and the upper tworows are in the intermediate transmission state, as illustrated in theright-center scene. By 4 pm, the sunlight reaching the west-facingwindow is very high; however, the trees or structure may block some ofthe sunlight. Thus, the top row is in the low transmission state, themiddle row is in the intermediate transmission state, and the bottom rowis in the high transmission state, as illustrated by the right-mostscene.

The validation process is useful, as it can take into account a changein physical configuration, such as changing from cubicles to aconference room, or changing conditions outside the window, such as overa period of 10 years when trees are now large enough to block somesunlight or a neighboring structure may have been recently built.

FIGS. 10 and 11 include illustrations of scenes that may be used. Inthis particular embodiment, the window is a skylight. In FIG. 10, as thesun rises, the transmission of sunlight is decreased. Before sunrise,all EC devices are in the high transmission state, as illustrated in theleft-most scene. As the sun is higher in the sky, some of the EC devicesmay be in an intermediate transmission state, as illustrated in theleft-center scene.

By mid-morning, substantial sunlight may be reaching the window. Some ofthe EC devices are in the high transmission state, other EC devices arein the intermediate transmission state, and still other EC devices arein a low transmission state. In this particular embodiment, theleft-center EC device along the top row, which is in the hightransmission state, is immediately adjacent to an EC device that is inthe high transmission state, and another EC device in the intermediatetransmission state. In particular, when comparing the first three ECdevices along the top row, the left-center EC device has a hightransmission state as compared to the left-most EC device, which has theintermediate transmission state, and the right-center EC device, whichhas the low transmission state of the three EC devices. Conventionally,an EC device at the high transmission state is adjacent to an EC devicethat is in either the low transmission state or the intermediatetransmission state, but not adjacent to both an EC device that is in thelow transmission state and another EC device that is in the intermediatetransmission state. Such a configuration may help with color balance andto make the skylight appear more striking in appearance. At a time closeto Noon, all EC devices may be in intermediate and low transmissionstates, as illustrated in the right-most scene in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 includes illustrations corresponding to times later in the dayfor the same window as described with respect to FIG. 10. In FIG. 11,the timeframe continues from around Noon to sunset, as sunlight reachingthe window decreases. The left-most scene includes a scene that is usedabout the same as the right-most scene in FIG. 10. Thus, even though thestate information may not have significantly changed, the scene can bechanged to provide a perception of time passing to an occupant, ascompared to not changing the scene.

By mid-afternoon, substantial sunlight may be reaching the window butwill be at a lower angle as compared to a time closer to Noon. In theleft-center scene in FIG. 11, some of the EC devices are in the hightransmission state, other EC devices are in the intermediatetransmission state, and still other EC devices are in a low transmissionstate. When comparing the left-center scene of FIG. 11 and theright-center scene of FIG. 10, the number of EC devices in the hightransmission state between the two scenes is the same, the number of ECdevices in the intermediate transmission state between the two scenes isthe same, the number of EC devices in the low transmission state betweenthe two scenes is the same. In another embodiment, the number of ECdevices in any particular transmission states for the two scenes may bedifferent. Thus, even through the scenes may be similar, theright-center scene of FIG. 11 may be validated for use in the afternoonbut not in the morning, and the left-center scene of FIG. 10 may bevalidated for use in the morning but not in the afternoon. Suchvalidation may be based at least in part on the position of the sun withrespect to the window.

Still later in the afternoon, less sunlight may be reaching the window,and the right-center scene of FIG. 11 may be used. After sunset, all ECdevices can be in the low transmission state, as illustrated in theright-most scene.

In another embodiment, pairs of scenes in FIGS. 10 and 11 may be usedfor the same time of day. In this particular embodiment, the controldevice may alternate between scenes in accordance with Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Correlation Between Scenes in FIGS. 10 and 11 Scene Time of Dayin FIG. 10 Scene in FIG. 11 Comments Before sunrise Left-most Right-mostSame scene Early morning after Left-center Right-center May alternatesunrise between the two scenes Mid-morning Right-center Left-center Mayalternate between the two scenes Around Noon Right-most Left-most Mayalternate between the two scenes Mid-afternoon Right-center Left-centerMay alternate between the two scenes Late afternoon just Left-centerRight-center May alternate before sunset between the two scenes Aftersunset Left-most Right-most Same scene

Alternating the scenes may help to provide the occupants with a bettersense of time passing. Furthermore, some alternating scenes may providethe appearance of changing conditions outdoors, even when the conditionsare not significantly changing. For example, the right-center scene inFIG. 10 and left-center scene in FIG. 11 may be alternated during themorning or in the afternoon. For example, during the morning, theright-center scene of FIG. 10 may help to reduce glare more than theleft-center scene of FIG. 11, even though the left-center scene in FIG.11 is not optimal for reducing glare. Still, the right-center scene ofFIG. 10 and the left-center scene of FIG. 11 can be validated for use asalternating scenes. By alternating between the two scenes, an occupantmay have the impressing that high clouds are passing between the sun andthe window when the right-center scene of FIG. 10 is active, and theimpression that the high clouds are not present when the left-centerscene of FIG. 11 is active. Thus, even if no clouds are present outdoorsthroughout the time period described, the occupant may have theimpression that high clouds passed, even when no high clouds areactually present.

In another embodiment, the scenes may be based on a set of images. FIG.12 includes scenes as the amount of sunlight reaching a windowincreases. The EC devices for the left-most scene are all in a hightransmission state. As sunlight increases, a smiley face starts toappear as many of the EC devices are in an intermediate transmissionstate, as depicted in the left-center scene. Later in the morning, acomplementary image of the scene, as depicted in the right-center scene,may be used. Near Noon, the right-most scene may be used.

Many examples of scenes and their use have been illustrated anddescribed. Such scenes for the windows are not limited to the examplesillustrated or described. Other scenes can be validated and used withoutdeparting from the concepts described herein.

Embodiments allow for simpler and more understandable control of ECdevices for a window. Complex control systems are not required to beimplemented. Scenes can be validated and added to a collection. Thescenes may be generated when the building having the controlled space isbeing desired or first built. Learned scenes can be added with ease.Still further, the scenes can be changed with changing conditions, suchas a new build being erected near the window, over passage of time as atree grows, a change in the physical configuration of the controlledspace, preferences of the current occupant, or the like. Scenes can bechanged so that the passage of time may be more perceptible or to givean illusion of sky conditions outside, where such sky conditions are notsignificantly changing.

Many different aspects and embodiments are possible. Some of thoseaspects and embodiments are described below. After reading thisspecification, skilled artisans will appreciate that those aspects andembodiments are only illustrative and do not limit the scope of thepresent invention. Exemplary embodiments may be in accordance with anyone or more of the ones as listed below.

Embodiment 1

An apparatus can include a control device configured to select a firstscene from a collection of scenes for a window including switchabledevices in response to receiving a first input corresponding to stateinformation.

Embodiment 2

The apparatus of Embodiment 1, further including the window includingthe switchable devices coupled to the control device, wherein theswitchable devices affect transmission of light through the window.

Embodiment 3

The apparatus of Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the control device includesa remote portion that is located remotely to a controlled spaceassociated with the window and a local portion that is located withinthe controlled space.

Embodiment 4

A method of operating an apparatus including receiving a first inputcorresponding to state information; and at a control device, in responseto receiving the first input, selecting a first scene from a collectionof scenes for a window including switchable devices.

Embodiment 5

The method of Embodiment 4, further including adding a first learnedscene to the collection of scenes.

Embodiment 6

The method of Embodiment 5, further including deleting the first learnedscene from the collection of scenes.

Embodiment 7

The method of Embodiment 6, further including changing a physicalconfiguration within the controlled space.

Embodiment 8

The method of Embodiment 7, further including adding a second learnedscene to the collection of scenes, wherein the second learned scene isdifferent from the first learned scene.

Embodiment 9

The method of Embodiment 8, wherein adding the second learned scene isperformed after changing the physical configuration within a controlledspace and deleting the first learned scene.

Embodiment 10

The method of any one of Embodiments 4 to 9, further includingvalidating the first scene before selecting the first scene.

Embodiment 11

The apparatus or the method of any one of Embodiments 1 to 10, whereinthe collection of scenes, including the first scene, includes a set ofdiscrete transmission patterns for the window, wherein the discretetransmission patterns correspond to the scenes.

Embodiment 12

The apparatus or the method of Embodiment 11, wherein the collectioninclude a first pre-programmed scene and a first learned scene, whereinthe first scene is the first pre-programmed scene or the first learnedscene.

Embodiment 13

The apparatus or the method of any one of Embodiments 1 to 12, whereinthe state information includes a light intensity, an occupancy of acontrolled space corresponding to the window, a physical configurationof the controlled space, a temperature, an operating mode of a heatingor cooling system, a sun position, a time of day, a calendar day, anelapsed time since a scene has been changed, heat load within thecontrolled space, a contrast level between relatively bright andrelatively dark objects within a field of view where an occupant isnormally situated within the controlled space, whether an orb of the sunis in the field of view where the occupant is normally situated withinthe controlled space, whether a reflection of the sun is in the field ofview where the occupant is normally situated within the controlledspace, or a level of cloudiness.

Embodiment 14

The apparatus or the method of any one of Embodiments 1 to 13, whereinthe window has a sufficient number of the switchable devices to providean image or information.

Embodiment 15

The apparatus or the method of any one of Embodiments 1 to 14, whereinthe switchable devices include electrochromic devices.

Embodiment 16

The apparatus or the method of any one of Embodiments 1 to 15, wherein:the electrochromic devices include a first electrochromic device havinga first edge, a second electrochromic device having a second edge, and athird electrochromic device having a third edge and a fourth edge; thefirst edge of the first electrochromic device is immediately adjacent tothe third edge of the third electrochromic device, and the second edgeof the second electrochromic device is immediately adjacent to thefourth edge of the third electrochromic device; and for the first scene,where comparing transmission levels of the first, second, and thirdelectrochromic devices, the first electrochromic device has a lowesttransmission level, the second electrochromic device has an intermediatetransmission level, and the third electrochromic device has a highesttransmission level.

Note that not all of the activities described above in the generaldescription or the examples are required, that a portion of a specificactivity may not be required, and that one or more further activitiesmay be performed in addition to those described. Still further, theorder in which activities are listed is not necessarily the order inwhich they are performed.

Certain features that are, for clarity, described herein in the contextof separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a singleembodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity,described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be providedseparately or in any subcombination. Further, reference to values statedin ranges includes each and every value within that range.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed above with regard to specific embodiments. However, thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeature of any or all the claims.

The specification and illustrations of the embodiments described hereinare intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of thevarious embodiments. The specification and illustrations are notintended to serve as an exhaustive and comprehensive description of allof the elements and features of apparatus and systems that use thestructures or methods described herein. Separate embodiments may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment, and conversely, variousfeatures that are, for brevity, described in the context of a singleembodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination.Further, reference to values stated in ranges includes each and everyvalue within that range. Many other embodiments may be apparent toskilled artisans only after reading this specification. Otherembodiments may be used and derived from the disclosure, such that astructural substitution, logical substitution, or another change may bemade without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly,the disclosure is to be regarded as illustrative rather thanrestrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a window includingswitchable devices, wherein the switchable devices comprise: a firstelectrochromic device having a first transmission level; a secondelectrochromic device having a second transmission level; and a thirdelectrochromic device having a third transmission level; and a controldevice configured to select a first scene from a collection of scenesfor the window including switchable devices in response to receiving afirst input corresponding to state information, wherein the firsttransmission level is different from the second transmission level. 2.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the collection of scenes includes aset of discrete transmission patterns for the window, wherein thediscrete transmission patterns correspond to the scenes.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 2, wherein the collection include a firstpre-programmed scene and a first learned scene, wherein the first sceneis the first pre-programmed scene or the first learned scene.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the switchable devices affect transmissionof light through the window.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thecontrol device includes a remote portion that is located remotely to acontrolled space associated with the window and a local portion that islocated within the controlled space.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the state information includes a contrast level betweenrelatively bright and relatively dark objects within a field of viewwhere an occupant is normally situated within a controlled space,whether an orb of the sun is in the field of view where the occupant isnormally situated within the controlled space, whether a reflection ofthe sun is in the field of view where the occupant is normally situatedwithin the controlled space, or an elapsed time since a scene has beenchanged.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the state informationincludes a light intensity, a physical configuration of a controlledspace, a sun position, a time of day, a calendar day, or a level ofcloudiness.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the state informationincludes an occupancy of a controlled space corresponding to the window,a temperature, heat load within the controlled space, or an operatingmode of a heating or cooling system.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the window has a sufficient number of the switchable devices toprovide an image or information.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinfor the first scene, where comparing transmission levels of the first,second, and third electrochromic devices, the first electrochromicdevice has an intermediate level lower than the third electrochromicdevice, the second electrochromic device has the same transmission asthe first electrochromic device, and the third electrochromic device hasa highest transmission level.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: thefirst electrochromic device having a first edge, a second electrochromicdevice having a second edge, and a third electrochromic device having athird edge and a fourth edge; the first edge of the first electrochromicdevice is immediately adjacent to the third edge of the thirdelectrochromic device, and the second edge of the second electrochromicdevice is immediately adjacent to the fourth edge of the thirdelectrochromic device.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein for thefirst scene, where comparing transmission levels of the first, second,and third electrochromic devices, the first electrochromic device has ahighest transmission level, the second electrochromic device has alowest transmission level, and the third electrochromic device has anintermediate transmission level.
 13. A method of operating an apparatuscomprising: receiving a first input corresponding to state information;at a control device, in response to receiving the first input, selectinga first scene from a collection of scenes for a window includingswitchable devices; and sending a signal to a first electrochromicdevice, a second electrochromic device, and a third electrochromicdevice to maintain the first electrochromic device at a firsttransmission level, to maintain the second electrochromic device at asecond transmission level, wherein the first transmission level isdifferent than the second transmission level.
 14. The method of claim13, further comprising validating the first scene before selecting thefirst scene.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein a collection of scenes,including the first scene, includes a set of discrete transmissionpatterns for the window.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein thecollection include a first pre-programmed scene and a first learnedscene, wherein the first scene is the first pre-programmed scene or thefirst learned scene.
 17. The method of claim 13, further comprisingadding a first learned scene to the collection of scenes.
 18. The methodof claim 17, further comprising deleting the first learned scene fromthe collection of scenes.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprisingchanging a physical configuration within the controlled space.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, further comprising adding a second learned scene tothe collection of scenes, wherein the second learned scene is differentfrom the first learned scene, wherein adding the second learned scene isperformed after changing the physical configuration within a controlledspace and deleting the first learned scene.